The Scarlet Files is like nothing else

Breath-stealing sci-fi fantasy with a high-tech society, elemental magic and murder mysteries? The Scarlet Files by P.S. Devi delivers all that and more and there is no other book like this, believe me. Coming May 2nd, read my 4-star review below:

The Martians have been on Zeon, a planet whose inhabitants develop elemental powers, for 100 not-so-peaceful years. Terra Volaikov, daughter of an Agent and a Diplomat, who inexplicably has not manifested her ability yet, dreams of serving the regime herself. That dream is crushed when her parents are arrested for a palace heist/treason. Her friend Iyaz volunteers to help her, though a secret he harbors may make things worse. Now they must defy everything they've known. Dalia, the 3rd of the trio joins them, not only to protect her friend, but also because she believes Terra is the key to what she is looking for...

With that gutpunch of a prologue, mysteries and secrets showing their perplexing heads already, I was hooked straightaway. The narrative, in its legato rhythm, has a crisp preciseness. Pulse-pounding action intensifies the experience, having you hang on for dear life, as everything happens at once, though you have a clear picture of what is happening, thanks to the comprehensive and clever wording. The author is good at amping up the suspense using creative types of prose. It oozes multi-million blockbuster energy. The glory of its twisty-turviness and those oh so tasty morsels of clues, have your brain churning with theories and lead to delicious revelations. P.S. Devi's capability to depict mastermind planning is to be admired and probably feared

The author not only manages to make each POV stand out, but does the same for every character, no matter how small the contribution. Terra is determined to succeed despite unfavorable circumstances, has a short fuse and has dealt and deals with a lot. Iyaz is the I-want-to-hug-him, uplifting and fun, fiercely loyal ally you want in your corner, as is whip-smart, matter-of-fact Dalia. All three share the facade of having it all together (well mostly) on the surface, when deep down each one is troubled for different reasons. The friend group dynamic is inviting, touching, making you smile — endearing bickering included — and you feel and root for them. I even cackled with laughter a few times and Iyaz was the main culprit.

I loved all the gadgets and thingamajigies, the evocative and bountiful detailing of the world. I do wish some of the cool objects were described more extensively. I really enjoyed the rich, inventive lore and opulent storytelling full of political intrigue, machiavellian machinations, and attention-grabbing conspiracies. Here we have a leadership of camouflaged totalitarianism, shifting allegiances and the malignancy of corruption.

Sometimes the narrative stumbled in the attempt to convey all the information we needed. This happened more often in the beginning chapters, where a few more explanatory sentences were needed, with a more ample spacing of the information, so my brain could concentrate more on the who-did-what-when intrigue without simultaneously trying to learn government positions, etc. This only happened due to the author's infectious enthusiasm to share her story, and it is plain as day that she poured her heart into it. When the story hits its stride, it is majestic.

Themes that are gracefully explored are those of prejudice, harassment and sacrifice. It is about feeling you belong and advises us that the first thing we need to rely on is ourselves. It shows us the scary lengths to which someone will go to achieve what they want and shines with the passion for justice.

I think P.S. Devi has discovered her own genre. It is scifi dystopian-vibing fantasy, with alien elemental academia and mystery/conspiracy chic. You have never read anything like it, believe me.